IDF Destroys Hezbollah's Strategic Underground Infrastructure in Southern Lebanon

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) announced Thursday evening the destruction of Hezbollah's strategic underground infrastructure in the Al-Taher mountain range in southern Lebanon. The operation, described by Prime Minister Netanyahu and Defense Minister Katz as a significant achievement, involved the use of over 1,100 tons of explosives to demolish eight underground tunnels spanning more than 5,400 meters. This extensive network, built by Hezbollah over two decades with Iranian funding and planning, was intended to serve as a base for occupying the Galilee and controlling observation and fire over the Israeli towns of Metula and Kiryat Shmona.

During the operation, IDF forces discovered and neutralized various armaments within the tunnels, including dozens of explosive drones, unmanned aerial vehicles, machine guns, anti-tank missiles, hundreds of mines, RPGs, explosive charges, and other military equipment. The IDF stated that the destruction of this infrastructure completes the achievement of operational control over the Al-Taher range, both above and below ground. Israeli forces are preparing for defense in the area and to prevent the enemy's return.

In recent months, units including the 36th Division, the Commando Brigade, and the Yahalom unit intensified military pressure on militants within the Al-Taher tunnels. The Commando Brigade initially secured operational control of the surface area through ambushes and direct attacks on tunnel entrances. Subsequently, forces gained subterranean control, neutralizing the capability to plan and execute terror attacks from these tunnels against Israeli civilians and soldiers. Some militants abandoned the area, while others were eliminated, including one in a close-quarters encounter with the Egoz unit as he attempted to flee.

The IDF highlighted two key achievements: the neutralization and destruction of Hezbollah's strategic underground infrastructure, which served as a central command and control center for the 'Bader' unit, and the attainment of operational control over the Al-Taher range, a dominant position overlooking Nabatieh, a Hezbollah stronghold in southern Lebanon. The IDF confirmed that most of the underground tunnels in the area have been rendered unusable for entrenchment and planning, following similar operations against infrastructure in the Beaufort mountain range and surrounding villages.